Page 12 - Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Voice Magazine Spring 2023

M E M B E R F E A T U R E

SISTER CITIES PROVIDE GLOBAL REACH

Local businesses have a chance to contribute to the success of a conference designed to highlight
Marlborough’s international excellence.

Blenheim hosts the Global Cities New Zealand conference in March 2024, bringing sister city groups
from around the country together to share strategies for making the most of the international
relationships.

Marlborough District Council sister city subcommittee chairman Councillor Jonathan Rosene says the
Marlborough team organising the conference is working on providing a good programme, based
around the theme of “Reconnecting to the World”. Delegates will be able to share their experiences of
reconnecting with sister city partners after the global COVID pandemic, and for Marlborough, this will
have a focus on youth activities and economic development, with a showcasing of local excellence.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and will give Marlborough businesses access to diplomatic,
government, and other regions’ international links during the conference.

The conference has been timed to show off Marlborough and Councillor Rosene is encouraging
delegates to stay on in the district to enjoy what we have to offer.

Marlborough in March is brilliant. The weather is fantastic, and there are lots of things to see and do.”

He says the benefits of being able to get together in-person and share experiences makes conferences
really valuable.

“I am looking forward to seeing GCNZ delegates in Blenheim in March.”

Marlborough has three sister cities – Tendo and Otari in Japan, and a more recent agreement with
Ningxia in China. The Marlborough District Council estimates that Marlborough has earned $30 for
every $1 spent on the Chinese links.

Six officials from Ningxia visited Blenheim in May, meeting with industry, business, education and
Council representatives, the mayor, councillors and staff at the New Zealand Wine Centre.

For further information go to www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/marlborough-sister-cities

11 VOICE MAGAZINE